What is the best temperature to plant mums?
Warm Temperatures. Most mums can survive hot weather if they are given plenty of water, but heat tolerance varies widely by species and cultivar. If you have temperatures that average in the 90s and 100s during the summer, it's best to plant mums where they will receive some afternoon shade.
Do mums need sun or shade?
Mums are not happy in extremely hot summer temperatures and may need to be shaded. Mums are cold hardy to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive hot temperatures from 90 to 100 F, but they'll need plenty of water and a little shade.
How do mums survive in hot weather?
The roots will have the entire growing season to develop, and when winter comes, they will have developed sufficient natural sugars to nourish them during dormancy. Most mums can survive hot weather if they are given plenty of water, but heat tolerance varies widely by species and cultivar.
What is the best climate for ASA mums?
As heat sensitivity varies by cultivar, if you live in hotter climates you should look for those with heat tolerance. Aside from their temperature preferences, mums prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
What temperatures do mums tolerate?
Different Types of Mums Given that plants in Zone 5 can withstand temperatures to -20 degrees Fahrenheit (and plants in Zone 3 can survive temperatures of -40 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit), these mums' frost tolerance is pretty high.
Are mums OK in the heat?
Mums are cold hardy to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive hot temperatures from 90 to 100 F, but they'll need plenty of water and a little shade.
Can mums tolerate full sun?
How Much Sunlight Do Mums Require? Chrysanthemums are sun-loving plants. Although they technically require only 6 hours of sunlight each day, the more light they receive, the better their growth, bloom and hardiness. Slight shade in hot, summer afternoons is appropriate in warmer gardening zones to prevent scorching.
How long can mums stay outside?
Avoid plants whose flowers have already begun to fade. Garden mums may be grown in containers, or planted in beds with existing shrubs and flowers. Flowers generally last about two or three weeks, depending on the outdoor temperatures and how far along the blooming process was when the plants were purchased.
What do mums look like in the summer?
Flowers come in a variety of colors, including yellow, pink, red, lavender, and vivid orange. To eliminate summertime legginess, pinch the plant's young branches gently in May and June. Pinching produces a bushy shrub with many fall flowers.
Should I bring my mums inside?
You can leave your garden mums in the ground during winter, especially with a layer of mulch in the cooler zones. However, because potted plants are more susceptible to cold damage, bring your mums indoors for winter safekeeping.
Can mums bloom in summer?
Chrysanthemums, better known as “mums” to their friends, are late-season bloomers that really pack a fall punch in the garden. The chrysanthemum bloom season ranges from late summer into early winter depending upon your zone. In rare cases, mums are not flowering when they should be in full bloom.
Characteristics
The chrysanthemum’s large, bright, radial blooms come in a variety of colors ranging from white through yellow, gold, orange and red to deep magenta and purple. There are even many variegated varieties, with darker color on the inner parts of the petal, lightening outward.
Winter Hardiness
Although their exact cold tolerance does depend on the specific variety, most mums grow well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. This means they can overwinter in the ground within these zones, and they do so especially reliably in the warmer climates.
Heat Delay
A more significant concern in warmer climates is heat delay, in which high temperatures -- particularly at nighttime -- cause the plant to flower later than it normally would.
Garden Uses
Aside from their temperature preferences, mums prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Because they bloom so reliably in the less showy fall months, gardeners often incorporate them into beds and borders for pops of color.
Shopping for Mums
When choosing mums the ones labeled ‘hardy mums’ rather than the florist mums, which can’t tolerate harsh winters. To distinguish the difference, note that hardy-type mums form a rosette of leaves at the crown when they stop blooming. If this rosette doesn’t appear, don’t bother setting the plant into the garden.
Caring for Potted Mums
Once you’ve determined the perfect spot to display your mum, place a tray beneath the flower pot to keep the soil moist. It is important to prevent the plant from getting too dry or wilting between watering.
Planting Mums in the Flower Bed
Mums, the flower we love for its wonderful palette of autumn colors, transfer well from the pot to your garden. Here are a few tips to make the transition successful.
Are Mums Annuals or Perennials?
Most mums are sold in garden centers and nurseries as annuals, particularly in growing zones 1 to 4. However, some cultivars are able to withstand below zero temperatures and considered perennials.
Helping Your Mums Survive Winter
For outdoor winter survival, only prune hardy bedding plants in early summer. Do not remove dead mum blooms or prune in fall or winter. Make sure to heavily mulch your planted mums in the fall before freezing temperatures occur.
When To Buy And Plant Garden Mums
Here in the Deep South, when it's the "Dog Days of August,"...have you ever seen all the garden mums filling the shelves and in full bloom at the big box stores? If so, maybe you noticed how the flowers are often wilting and turning brown...unless you got there right after the truck delivered them, before the August heat got to them? But go back the next day, or buy and plant some of them in your yard...you'll see how quickly the blooms will melt in the August heat.
So, when is the best time to plant mums in the South?
You can plant mums any time of year in the South. That being said, commercial growers only grow one crop of fall garden mums each year. Growers that supply local nursery and garden centers time their plantings so that the mums will bloom on time.
Buy Mums With Buds
Buying mums with buds and not full blooms will for sure ensure you will get the most time out of your flower. If they are in full bloom you will have no way of knowing when they bloomed and how much longer they have for you to enjoy.
Repot as Soon as You Buy
If you are like me and buy on a whim instead of planning, this may be a good tip. Make sure and repot mums as soon as you buy and get them home. The roots of a mum are already completely rootbound when you purchase. This makes it hard for the actual flower to retain any water.
Sunlight
Most mums state they are full sun but do not let this fool you. It is actually best to place them in indirect sunlight. Full direct sunlight will increase the amount of blooms on your mums. It could also be too hot if it is in early fall. I feel like this may have been my problem as I bought mums very early for most years.
Temperatures
While warmer temperatures will encourage blooming, cooler temperatures will help blooms last longer. The perfect temperature for a mum is 70-75F degrees during the day and around 60F at night. Keep in mind to place indoors if temperatures get much cooler and adjust to full sunlight when they need more warmth.
Water
Water often, but not too much. You basically need to keep a watch on your mums daily to see if they are too dry and need water. If they are droopy this is a sign they need water, but its best to not let them get to this point. Another sign of dryness is if when picking up the pot it is very light.
Deadhead Your Mum
Another way to keep blooms looking great is to deadhead your mum or remove the brown and dried flowers. It a little time consuming and tedious, but well worth it. This will keep those mums looking fresh longer and allow new blooms to sprint to live.
Suyin's Story
Suyin’s bus was late. Even though it was noon on a very hot summer day, she decided to walk from the grocery store to her home. At 72—healthy and active—Suyin thought the heat would be no match for her! Yet, after walking just one block, she felt dizzy and weak.
Listen to Weather Reports
If the temperature or humidity is going up or an air pollution alert is in effect, you are at increased risk for a heat-related illness. Play it safe by checking the weather report before going outside.
A Senior Watch
During hot weather, think about making daily visits to older relatives and neighbors. Remind them to drink lots of water or juice, as long as their doctor hasn’t recommended otherwise because of a pre-existing condition. If there is a heat wave, offer to help them go someplace cool, such as air-conditioned malls, libraries, or senior centers.
1. Plant smart
Figure out the best place to plant your tomatoes … and it may not be what you think.
2. Keep plants watered
Make sure your tomatoes are getting more than their fair share. Don’t forget – their transpiration rate is up. They’re trying to survive. When temperatures are extremely high (consistently above 90° F during the day), water plants at once, maybe two times every day.
3. Give them shade
If your garden gets too much sun, then you can provide shade for your tomato plants.
